Remote control mechanism



July 22, 1941.

w. P. LEAR REMOTE cNTRoL MECHANISM s sheds-sheet 1 Original Filed Sept. 2,7, 1959 INVENTOR WM fyi@ Y E N R O T T A July 22, 1941. w. P; LEAR REMOTE CONTROL MECHANISM original Filed sep't. 27; 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 195km vota wwwwi INVENTOR WM BY July 22, 1941.. w 1: LAR

REMOTE CONTROL MECHANISM Original Filled Sept. 27', 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet-3 INVENTR MMM 7D. h@ SYM 21a/n4 y ATTORNEY Patented July 22, 1941 f REMOTE CONTROL MEcnANIsM William P. Lear, Dayton, Ohio, assignor t'o Lear Avia, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, a corporation of Illinois Original application September v27, 1939, Serial No. 296,725. Divided and this application March 22, 1940, Serial No. 325,315

(Cl. Z50-33) 25 Claims.

This invention relates to remote control reeling systems, and more particularly relates to novel reeling arrangements for aircraft radio antennae. This application is a division of my copending application, Serial Number 296,'725, filed Sept. 27, 1939, entitled Antenna reeling system and which is assigned to the same assignee as that case.

A trailing wire is the most eii'icient antenna for a radio transmitter of an aircraft in flight. A one-quarter wave length antenna is the most eicient length for such trailing antenna wire, the high potential then being at its trailing end giving a marked radiation eiciency. Each frequency of transmission has its own optimum antenna length.

In accordance with the present invention, I provide remotely controlled mechanism for extending a trailing wire antenna in predetermined amounts corresponding to the frequency of radio transmission. The pilot need merely set a pointer opposite the proper indication on a control panel to cause an exact predetermined length to be extended. Thus a maximum communication range is assured for a given transmitter power, and, conversely, a minimum size transmitter is required for a given radio transmission range.

The presence of an extended trailing antenna wire during landing and take-ofi? maneuverslis rather dangerous. It has heretofore been necessary at such times for the pilot to watch out for and effect retraction of any trailing wire. In the present invention, automatic means are providedy which are controlled by the velocity of .the aircraft to prevent the extension'of a trail.-

ing wire prior to take-off orl until the aircraft attains a minimum predetermined velocity. The invention furthermore is adapted to automatically retract any extended wire when the aircraft falls below a predetermined minimum 1 speed prior to landing. The pilot is in this way not concerned about dangerously dangling wires during low flight speed or altitude.

The remote reel and associated drivingi'arrangement is assembled in a novel-unitary` construction.A The unitary assembly is placed adjacent the' portion of the aircraft through `which the wire antenna projects. It is designed for compactness and with a minimum bulk and weight. A novel remote control unit is electrically andA mechanically interrelated with' the yreeling mechanism, and is arranged to insure extension and retraction of predetermined lengths of the antenna wire in accordance with through the remote control unit taken settings made on a calibrated dial of the control panel. Switches within-the control unit corre- Alate the dial settings with the amount of wire extended, effecting a positive remote control action on the reel motor drive.

In carrying out the invention, I employ a novel retractable fairlead for the wire antenna with two coacting sections mechanically biased apart in a manner to prevent snapping of the trailing Wire, to keep it taut and to prevent its rattling 'afterV reeling in. A safety switch is also in'corporated with the retractable fairlead arranged to automatically deenergize the control motor circuit at the proper time to prevent breakage of the antenna wire upon reeling in.

It` is accordingly an object of my present invention to provide novel arrangements for remotely controlling a reversibly operated` mechanism.

Another bbject of the present invention is to provide novel means for remotely controlling a reeling system to extend and retract variable lengths of wire.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel control system for extending variable lengths of wire, and for fully retracting the Wire without concern of breakage or rattling.-

' Still a furtherobject of the present inventionY is to provide a novel remote control arrangement coupled to a reversibly operable mechanism, settable to variably control the operation of the mechanism.

'I'hese and further objects of -the present invention will become apparent in the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in connection with the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 'is a diagrammatic assembly showing of components of an embodiment ofthe invention for remote antenna reeling, installed aboard an aircraft.; Y

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic electrical and mechanical representation of details of the antenna reeling systxp corresponding to Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal `cross-sectional view along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Flg.,4` is an end view of a roller contacting arrangement for the antenna wire, corresponding totheviewseenalongthelinel-I ofFlg. 1.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the unitary antenna reeling assembly and fairlead of Fig..1.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the antenna reel and associated driving arrangement as taken along the line 6-5 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 'I is a vertical cross-sectional view through the retractable fairlead and associated switching mechanism as taken along the line 'I-l of Fig. l.

An assembly view of a physical embodiment of the remotely controlled antenna reel of my invention is illustrated in Fig. 1. The antenna Wire I is wound upon a reel II of insulating material and extends through a guide-tube or fairlead I2 to a streamline fish or weight I3 attached to its end. Reel II is mechanically connected to the electric motor I 4 through a reduction gear arrangement I5 mounted upon a unitary chassis construction I6. The motor I4 is electrically connected by cable II to the remote control box I8 situated near the pilot. Battery cable i9 connects to a primary source of current on the aircraft. I prefer to use the standard 12 volt direct current battery for operating motor I4 and the control circuits therefor. A flexible cable 26 mechanically connects the remote control box I8 to antenna reel II and the reduction gearing I5. A positive control of, as well as an indication for the length of antenna wire I il extended or retracted is made possible by flexible connection 20.

Chassis I6 supports the antenna reel and associated structure including motor I4 and reduction gearing I5 as a compact unitary mechanism. Chassis I6 is drilled with mounting holes for attachment thereof to the primary structure of the aircraft. The unit is preferably mounted with flared end section 2I projecting through tube I2, together with fish I3, extending through the fuselage of the aircraft as indicated by the belly line 22 of the aircraft. Antenna wire I0 is in continuous electrical connection with terminal post 23, connected to output terminal 24 of radio transmitter 25 by connection lead 26. It is to be understood that antenna I0 may be used for radio reception as well as for radio transmission.

The radio transmitter 25 is located adjacent the motor-reel unit which is located near belly line 22 of the aircraft. The radio transmitter 25 is remotely controlled or operated in a manner well known in the radio art so that it may be located remote from the control region of the plane. This arrangement permits a very short and direct connection 26 between the output of the transmitterv 25 and the antenna reel III. The very short connection lead 26 permits negligible radiation of the antenna signal within the aircraft structure, since the radiation occurs along the conductor connected to the high potential radio frequency output of the transmitter 25. 'I'he location of the motor-reel unit near the point of the plane through which the antenna projects facilitates the reeling-in and reeling-out operations and minimizes radio frequency energy losses.

The important advantages of my'novel variable length trailing wire antenna system reside in that the pilot may adjust the trailing wire portion to obtain optimum transmission efIiciency of the radio transmitter 25, and that the antenna reel I0 and projecting portions thereof are directly connected to the output terminal 24 of the radio transmitter 25 by a short .connection 26 to prevent radiation losses internally in the aircraft. The radio transmitter is preferably remotely controlled from the dashboard to which it is connected by the electrical cable indicated at 25. The remote control radio transmitter is operated by relays, not shown.

Although I prefer to operate the antenna reel III by the automatically operated electrical motor system illustrated in the drawings, it is to be understood that manual operation of the reel from the control position of the pilot is feasible by means of a flexible cable orltorsion shaft. Such modification requires a hand lever or wheel rotatable by the pilot from the position corresponding to that of the remote control I8 shown in Fig. l operating upon iiexible shaft or cable 20, which cable is directly geared to the antenna reel unit I U. A material advantage of the automatic over a manually operated reeling system is that the pilot is relieved of any winding duties which the manual antenna reel system would entail. Other features of my present invention, while illustrated in connection with an electrically operated system, may also be derived in conjunction with a manually operated mechanical system.

A further important feature of my invention resides in providing an automatic safety switch 2'I -for preventing unreeling of the trailing antenna I0 when the speed of the aircraft is less than a predetermined velocity, for example less than seventy miles per per hour. Safety switch 2`I is adapted to automatically actuate the motor for reeling-in and fully retracting the antenna IIJ at all times except when the speed of the airplane is above the predeterminedv speed. Safety switch 2`I is suitably connected to the motor-reel circuit and responsive to an air-pressure created by the motion of the aircraft in flight. I prefer to obtain the air pressure from the Pitot tube which is standard equipment on airplanes in conjunction with instruments for measuring various conditions of flight. The safety switch 21 can be arranged to be responsive to a pressure greater than atmospheric for actuating the safety switch relay in a manner to be hereinafter described.

Safety switch 2`I is' connected to air pressure tube 28 which communicates with the standard Pitot tube 29 mounted upon the wing structure 30 of the aircraft. Pitot tube 29 may be located at any suitable portion of the aircraft. It is to be understood that the differential air pressure actuating the safety switch may be generated by other means than the Pitot tube. The pressure will vary in accordance with the velocity of the aircraft. Safety switch 21 is designed to'respond to a pressure which corresponds to a pressurev generated at the Pitot tube or other unit connected t'o the air tube 28 when the ship attains the predetermined minimum velocity, such as seventy miles per hour. j

Remote control unit I8 contains a scale 3| calibrated in feet or length of antenna wire I0 extended from the reel II. In operation, length control pointer 32 is manually turned to point to the number in feet corresponding to the length it is desired to extend antenna I0. By turning switch 33 into the out position, reel motor I4 will be energized to rotate in the direction to unreel antenna I0. The streamline weight or fish I3 will draw antenna I0 downwards and away from the ship in a manner well known in the art, giving a taut antenna structure. Flexible cable 2l) is mechanically connected to control unit I3 in a manner to be described and' cooperates with the setting of control pointer 32 for automatically stopping the operation of motor I4 when the pre-set length of antenna has been unreeled.l

When switch 33 is turned to the in position, the electric motor I4 is connected torotate in the proper sense to reel-in the extended antenna wire I0. When the antenna wire is practically reeled in, weight I3 attached to the end portion thereof abuts bell-shaped end member 2|, and

actuates switch 34 to open the motor circuit and prevent `further reeling-in. The switch 34 is the in-limit" switch for preventing breakage of the antenna wire I3 and for automatically stopping the motor at the proper instant. I provide a further motor cut-off 'means at the control box unit for independently disconnecting motor I4 as a further precaution to prevent injury to the mechanism should weight I3 be broken off and unable to operate in-limit switch 34. Weight I3 is connected to the end of antenna I by ball-bearing swivel jointl 35 insuring free rotation of the weight and prevent its twisting ofi". The streamline contour of the weight I3 minimizes its aerodynamic resistance in flight.

A flexible trailing wire 36 of fixed length ex-` tends beyond the fish or lead weight I3, and is in continuous electrical contact with antenna wire I3 throughtlie swivel joint connection 35. Flexible trailing wire or tail 36 is preferably six to ten feet in length; so as to project beneath the aircraft and not interfere with landing or take-off operations of the airplane. Tail 36 is suiilciently long for efficient practical communication with the landing fleld during landing and take-off. After the plane has attained its normal flight speed, the proper length of antenna is extended depending upon the communication requirements, well known in the'radio art.

Pilot lamps 31 light up on remote control unit I3 when trailing antenna wire I0 is extended,

andserve as a warning that theantenna is extended. The pilot lamps 31 are automatically cut-off when the antenna Ill is vcompletely retracted as will become evident hereinafter.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the preferred electrical and mechanical connections corresponding to the antenna lreel mechanism illustrated in Fig. 1. Remote control unit I3 corn-v' prises worm gear 40 driven by worm 4I which is mechanically connected to reduction gear unit I5 by flexible cable 20. Gear 40 is rotated so as t0 correspond to the actual rotation of reel II and serves as a measure of the degree to which the reel Il is extended. The gear 43 is illustratedlin its normal position, corresponding to the fully retracted position of antenna l0 as4 shown. In

this position, an insulation nib or projection 42 operates against cam switch 43 to maintain it open. A disk 44 is connected to gear 40 by means' of a frictional coupling indicated at 45. Disk 44 is mechanically secured to control pointer 32. An

insulated projection'43'is attached to disk 44 in a predetermined position for actuating cam Switch 41.

Safety switch 21 comprises a housing 43 having a flange 4S at one end for mounting onto a suit- Fig. 1.

Ythrough opening 5I in flange 43. 'I'he pressure on the right side of diaphragm 50 of Fig. 2 depends upon that developed at Pitot tube 23 or other device for creating a pressure in accordance with` the velocity of the aircraft as hereinabove referred to. The left air chamber within housing 43 communicates to atmospheric pressure by means of an opening to the atmosphere. A Relay contacts 52, 53 and 54 are mounted within safety switch structure 43 as schematically indicated. Double contact 53 issupported centrally on diaphragm 50. Contacts 52, 53 are open during normal pressure conditions corresponding to zero, and during zero or low flight speed of the aircraft. However, contacts 53, 54 are in contact when the speed of the airplane is' below the predetermined rate or is zero. When contacts 53, 54 are in electrical contact, the motor circuit is energized to retract any extended portion of antenna I0 back upon reel Il, and conversely, pre- Vent any unreeling of the antenna.

The unreeling or extending operation of the 'antenna wire I0 can occur only when contacts 52 and 53 are connected in response to the air pressure developed on the right hand chamberv in the safety switch 21 as communicated from the air pressure tube 23. It is to be understood vthat it is feasible to operate on the vacuum side of the Pitot tube, or with a different pressure device wherein air pressure is developed in the right-hand chamber defiecting diaphragm 50 to the left and closing contact.53 upon contact 52. If a vacuum pressure is used for actuating switch 21, it is obvious that the relative position of contacts 52 and 54 will be reversed so that the deflection of the diaphragm to the right, in response to decreased pressure in the right-hand chamber will close the contacts of the circuit corresponding to 52 and 53.

In order to extend the antenna a predetermined length, the pointer 32 is turned opposite the figure lon dial 3l (Fig. l) corresponding to that length. Disk 44, being mechanically coupled with pointer 32, is angularly displaced therewith the same amount, moving projection 46 away from the cam switch 41 as shown in solid in Fig. 2. The dotted position 46a of the projection is the cut-out position, for opening the motor circuit at cam switch 41 when the predetermined length of antenna I0 has been unreeled or example, the length of the extensible antenna is one hundred feet,- such. settingwill correspond to about twenty feet as marked on dial. 3| shown in Cam switchv 41 vis permitted to close by the displacement of projection 43, and the out circuit is completed through relay 56 as follows:

Ayseries circuit extends from switch 41 through connection lead 55 to out" relay 53 and ground. The other side of cam switch 41 is connected to in-out switch 33 through connection lead 51 and continues from switch 33 through connection lead 53 through closed safety switch contacts 52, 53 back through connection lead 53 of Pitot switch,

- cable 30 to the ungrounded terminal of battery 5I.

Battery 6I is preferably the standard direct current battery of the airship, or any other suitable voltage source for actuating' motor I4 and the associated relay circuits. summarizing, cam switch 41 is closedl after pointer 32 is displaced to a reeling-out position, connecting battery IIv in Iseries with out relay 56 when iii-out switch 33 is connected to the out position, and when safety switch contacts 52, conditions.

When out relay 56 is energized, its armature circuits 62 and 63 are closed and accordingly directly connect armature 64 and series field winding 65 of reel-motor I4 across battery 6I. Motor I4 is illustrated as a series motor which operates on direct current from battery 6I. The sense of rotation of motor I4 depends upon the relative connection of series field 65 with respect to armature 64 as is well known in the electrical art. By-pass condenser 66 is preferably connected across armature 64 to suppress high frequency currents which might be generated by motor commutation. When out relay 56 is energized, reel motor I 4 is accordingly energized to rotate in the predetermined direction corresponding to the reeling-out of antenna wire I0.

Armature 64 of motor I4 is directly coupled to reduction gearing I by coupling member indicated at 61 and drives reel II at a predetermined rate. When antenna ID is let-out or unreeled, fish or weight I3 holds the wire taut.` When weight i3 is released from bell end 2| of slidable tube 10, it permits spring 58 to draw tube 1I! out and close contacts 34 of the inlimit switch.

When switch contacts 34 are closed, a circuit is completed through connection leads 1I and 12 to the signal or pilot lamps 31 which are connected in parallel, back through connection lead 13 and to battery BI. Switch 34 accordingly completes the pilot light circuit which fiashes an indication on remote control unit I8 that some portion of the antenna is extended. When the antenna is retracted, weight I3 abuts flared end 2I of sleeve 10 against the action of the spring 58, and opens switch 34. The circuit to indicator lights 31 is then opened and the pilot is apprised that the antenna is fully retracted. By the term fully retracted I mean that the extensible portion of antenna Il) is substantially fully drawn .in to the position as shown in the drawings. The tail or flexible appendage 36, useful for short distance communication, remains extended in the preferred design of the antenna reel mechanism. The opening of switch contacts 34 also opens the circuit of motor I4 if it is still in circuit connection. When weight I3 moves against the flared sleeve 2| the antenna wire is prevented from snapping or breaking.

Antenna I0 is unreeled by positive motivation of motor I4 when the mechanism is connected to the out" position, as shown in Fig. 2. The rotation of reel I I correspondingly rotates worm 4I through fiexible cable 23 and drives worm gear in a counter-clockwise direction. The rotation of worm gear 40 moves disk 44 counterclockwise due to the frictional coupling therebetween. Accordingly, as antenna tended, projection 46 is rotated counter-clockwise back towards its original dotted position 46a.

When projection 46 reaches the position 46a, cam switch 41 is opened to disconnect motor I4 and discontinue the unreeling operation. The angular movement of gear 40 and disk 44 is Dleferably calibrated to correspond with the actual length of antenna extended Aduring the reeling operation. The eect of projection 46 is t0 disconnect the motor circuit after disk 44 has rotated an amount corresponding to the calibrated displacement thereof, twenty feet in the present example. Projection 42 on worm gear 40 is moved to the dotted position 42a, electrically 53 are in contact under flight III is ex-` closing cam switch 43 to the dotted position 43a. .The reeling-in or retracting operation of the antenna IIJ is accomplished by connecting switch l33 to the in contact. Cam switch 43, being closed in dotted position 43a, causes in relay 15 to be energized since the following series circuit is completed: lead 16 to relay 15, to contacts 34 (which are closed when antenna I0 is extended), to ground, through battery 6I, to cable lead 11, back through connection lead 59, across safety switch contacts 52, 53, to switch 33 through lead 58, back to cam switch 43 and to the closed dotted position 33a of the in-out switch.

Energization of in-relay 15 attracts its armatures 18 and 19 to close the circuit of motor I4 through battery 6I to cause itto rotate in the opposite direction to that when armatures 62 and 63 are closed by the out relay. Reel II is accordingly rotated to retract antenna Il) until weight I 3 abuts sleeve 10 at the fiared end 2l and opens in-limit switch contacts 34. The in relay 15 is then immediately deenergized, opening the motor circuit.

During the retracting operation flexible cable 20 correspondingly rotates worm gear 4U in a clockwise direction, bringing projection 42 to its original position, shown in solid, to open cam switch 43. Opening of cam switch 43 by projection 42 may not occur simultaneously with the opening of the in-limit switch 34. However, switch 34 is the safety means for insuring proper opening of the reeling-in circuit since it is the positive indication of complete retraction of antenna I0. Projection 42 serves as a check for opening the motor circuit in time should weight I3 be lost or otherwise fail tov function, preventing continuous and high-speed reeling of the system at that time.

The frictional engagement between disk 44 and gear 40 moves projection 46 from position 46a, corresponding to an extended position of disk 44 when pointer 32 is displaced, back to its original position 46 when the antenna is fully retracted. To again extend the antenna to the same degree corresponding to the position of pointer 32, it is merely necessary to reconnect switch 33 to the out position. To extend the antenna a different amount, it is merely necessary to shift pointer 32 to the position opposite the length to be extended as marked on dial 3l and the apparatus will function to extend the wire the new amount.

.The reeling-out operation of the antenna system of the illustrated embodiment can occur only when safety switch 21 is actuated by a predeterminedpressure in the air pressure tube 2l to close contacts 52, 53. Means may be provided to short-circuit the action of switch 21, or it may be eliminated.

Should the speed of the plane fall below the predetermined speed so that diaphragm 53 moves towards the right to open contacts 52, 53, any reeling-out operation becomes ineffective through the normal control at switch 33. Relay contacts 53, 54 are closed when the speed of the plane is sufficiently reduced, closing the retracting or reeling-dn circuit through leads 59 and 33, by short-circuiting in-out switch 33 to the in position. The effect of the reduced speed of the aircraft is to automatically throw in-relay 15 into circuit since cam switch 43 will be normally closed to position 43a if any of the antenna Il is extended. Energization of relay 15 operates motor I4 to rotate reel I I to retract antenna I3 until weight I3 abuts sleeve13 and opens in-limit switch 34. The motor circuit is then immedidisk 44 secured to rod 86 by set-screw 89.

well as pointer 32. counter-clockwise in unison with dial 3|.' When projection 46 of cam disk rotates to lreach the ately disconnected from battery 6I and the antenna is safely-retracted for landing operations of the plane. The warning lamps 31 are continuously in circuit and light up while antenna I is extended to any degree and in-limit switch is closed. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional View taken horizontally through remote control unit I8 along line 3-3 of Fig. 1. The housing 8| is cast to contain a boss 82 for supporting worm 4I, and a bearing 84 for supporting control disk 44 and worm gear 40. A backplate 83 is screwed onto housing 8| and may contain holes for mounting the unit I8 onto the aircraft structure. Worm 4| meshes with the worm gear 40. Worm gear 40 is at tached to sleeve 85 coaxial about rod 86. Sleeve 85 is closely fitted about rod 86 to form a frictional engagement therewith. Dial 3| is peened onto a shoulder at the end of sleeve 85 and accordingly rotates directly with gearl 40. The selective length control pointer is secured to knob 81 which is manually operated in the manner already described.

Pointer 32 and knob 81 are mechanically connected to control disk 44 by means of central rod 86; knob 81 being peenedonto the rod 86, and A spring 90 concentric with rod 86 and located Within a cavity in knob 81 mechanically biases disk 44 against a spacer or composition washer 9| towards worm gear 40. Disk 44 is accordingly frictionally engaged with Worm gear 40 and is rotated therewith. The positive engagement of gear 40 with worm gear 4| permits disk 44 and knob 81 to be manually displaced independently of the worm gear 40 and to perform the selective length control functions hereinabove referred to.

The position of dial 3| on remote control unit I8, as shown in Fig. 1, has its 0 lengthmarking, corresponding to full retraction of antenna wire I0, in the top vertical position. The antenna re' traction is indicated by streamline weight I3 abutting flared end 2| of the fairlead. Diagrammatic Fig. 2 also 'corresponds to a fully retracted condition of antennawire I0 wherein the motor 64 circuit is opened through the operation of inlimit switch 34, or by the cam projection 42, shown in solid, which opens-safety or cam switch 43 to disconnect motor 64 from its power supply 6I, as already described.

When it is, for example, desired to extend feet 'of antenna, 4pointer 32 is moved opposite the indication 20 on dial 3 I, as shown in Eig. 1. Cam'disk 44 is thereupon turned angularly clockwise with respect to worm gear 40, carrying cam proiection 46 from the 0 position 46a shown in dotted in Fig. 2, to positionv 46A shown in solid. Cam switch 41 is thus close-circuited, connecting motor 64 to current supply 6I to operate reel II to extend vantenna wire I0 in the manner-already described. .The rotation of reel II causes a corresponding rotation of worm gear 40 in the counter-clockwise direction, indicated by the arrow, through flexible cable 20 and Worm 4I.

Dal 3|, peened on sleeve 85, is rotated with worm gear 40 in mechanical-connection therewith. Upon extension of antenna Wire I0, dial 3| is rotated counterclockwise with gear 40. The rotation of Worm gear 40 also carries with it through frictional engagement cam disk 44 as Pointer 32 is thus moved dotted position corresponding to 46a, cam switch 41 is open-circuited t0 deenelgize mOtQl stop the reeling operation. The position of pointer 32 when the reeling-out is stopped, as viewed on the exterior of control unit I8 in Fig. 1, is vertical. The amount of antenna wire extended is thus always indicated by pointer 32, which in the preferred embodiment assumes a vertical position on extension of the requiredamount. Lights 31, 31 are lit up when the antenna Wire is thus extended. Upon reeling-in or retraction of wire I0, worm gear 40 rotatesclockwise and the 0 index of dial 3l is turned to substantially the vertical position shown in Fig. 1, at which time in-limit switch 34 or cam switch 43 stops the reeling-in operation by motor 64.

Fig. 4 is'an end view of the continuous antenna contact means as viewed from the line 4-4 in Fig. 1., Guide-tube I2 is shown supported on an insulation block '|04 by strap 93. Block |04 is attached to the common chassis I6. The edges of chassis I6 are curled over to stiften and strengthen it. Antenna wire I0 is in continuous electrical and frictional contact with the tubular rollers IIO spaced by a distance equal to the diameter of the wire I0. Rollers IIO are supported'byA metallic brackets III and I|2 and lare electrically interconnected therewith. A terleading antenna wire I0 at an angle to the central position of the Wire in tube I2, in a manner illustrated in Fig. 5, increased frictional contact occurs at one of the rollers IIO.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the motor-reel assembly as a unitary structure with chassis I6. Chassis I6 is preferably of metallic material and contains mounting brackets 92 and 93 for securing thefairlead or sleeve I2 in position. Movable or retractible sleeve 10 is slidable within sleeve I2 and contains flared end2l. Sleeves 10 and I2 are made of insulation material such as Bakelite or composition to prevent short-circuiting of antenna wire I0 to ground through chassis I6. Flared end 2| is preferably of metallic construction, such as steel, to resist shock and wear resulting from impacts by the Weight I3. Reel I'I is rotatably supported on rod 04 adjacent the right end of the sleeve 'structure I2. Motor I4 is secured to chassis I6 at the extreme right end. `with the reduction gear structure (not seen in Fig. 5). 56 and 15are enclosed in housing 39.

The preferred physical cooperation between reel II and reduction gearing I5 is illustrated in Remotely controlled relays y cross-sectional view Fig. 6, taken along the line 6 6 of Fig. 5. The shaft of motor I4 is coupled to Worm within reduction gearing unit I5. A

worm gear 96 meshes with Wormv 05 and is keyed to'shaft 94 secured to reel structure II. Flexible cable 20 is mechanically coupled to shaft 9,4 by female coupling member 91 containing a. socket cooperating with projection 98 of shaft 94. Flexible cable 20 and tained in position by sleeve 99 set into extension |00 of reduction gearing I5. comprisesA parallel disks I0I, |02 of insulation material suitably spaced to contain antenna wire $4 and 75 Il! therebetween. The antenna is insulated from its connecting head 01 is main Antenna reel 1 I I v the metallic structure of the motor drive as well as the supporting structure.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the in-limit switch and associated actuation arrangement as taken along the line I-l of Fig. 5.` Outer tubular sleeve I2 is fixedly supported upon chassis I6 by straps 92, 93 and insulation blocks |03, |04. Movable sleeve 'I0 is slidably mounted within sleeve I2. Flared metallic member 2| is secured to the outer end of slidable tube 10. A block |05 is attached to a portion of slidable tube 'I0 for actuating extended arm |06' of in-limit switch 34.

To facilitate mounting of block |05 on tube l0, I provide a slot ||4 in tube 'I0 located directly'above the position of block |05, and a further corresponding slot ||5 in outer tube I2. When retractible tube 'I0 is in the extended position corresponding to that shown in Fig. 5, both slots H4 and IIS are lined-up and permit the insertion of a screw driver or other suitable tool for mounting block |05. Simple holes may be substituted for the slots IILI, H5. Outer slot IIS on tube IZ is covered over by a plate IIB, such as a name plate, to prevent foreign mattei' from entering the assembly.

*Block it accordingly is slidable with tube l and projects through a slot IGS on the bottom portion of the fixed sleeve I2. Spring 68 mechanically biases block i155 towards the left and with it slidable tube 'lf3 as well. The normal position of tube is the extended one as shown in Fig. 5, holding switch block against the left end of the slot iCiS, away from arm |08 oi" switch 34.

When antenna i0 is fully retracted, weight I3 is drawn against the open end ci the end member 2i, forcing tube ifi inwards against spring Ell and operating block IE5 to the position illustrated in Fig. 7. Blade iet is pressed downwards, opening` the contacts of in-limit switch 34. Conversely, when antenna I0 is extended, spring S8 moves block IE5 away from switch |06', effecting a closure of the contacts of switch 34. Pilot lights 3l are then lit up, and the reeling operation disclosed in connection with Figs. l and 2 is permitted to take place. Antenna I0 is in continuous Contact with rollers |I0 connecting with the radio transmitter 25 by the short connection lead 2S as hereinabove described in connection with Fig. l.

An important advantage of the spring biased retractible tube 'Z8 is that antenna wire I0 is kept taut when the antenna is completely retracted and the motor is disconnected when holding weight I3 firmly against ared end 2|. In practice, tube l is made retractible to the extent of several inches. Reel Il is prevented from unwinding when motor I4 is not operating, due to the mechanical interlocking of worm gear 96 with worm 95, as shown in Fig. 6. With weight I3 against flared end 2|, tube 'I0 is forced inwards against spring G8, maintaining antenna i0 taut after the motor circuit is disconnected. practical advantages resulting are that weight I3 is prevented from vibrating or chattering against nearby objects when the antenna is retracted, and a rm electrical connection between the tail 36 and the radio transmitter effected. Antenna tail 38 remains extended for local radio communication.

Although I have described a preferred arrangement for carrying out my present invention, it will be obvious that modifications may be made by those skilled in the art and which fall The within the broader spirit and scope of the invention, and I accordingly do not intend to be limited except as set forth in the following claims.

What I claim is:

1. A remote control system comprising: a device operable between extended and retracted positions; reversible motive means coupled to said device; and mechanism for variably controlling the degree of extension of said device comprising an angularly movable member, a mechanical cable remotely coupling said member with said device for rotating said member through an arc in accordance with the motivation of said device, a manually settable element operatively engaged with said member for normally rotating therewith, said element being variably angularly displaceable with respect to said member to predetermine degrees of extension of said device and arranged to stop said motive means when said device is extended to the degree determined by the relative angular displacement between said element and said member.

2. A remote control system comprising: a dcvice operable between extended and retracted positions; reversible motive means coupled to said device; and mechanism for variably controlling the degree of extension of said device comprising an angularly movable member, a mechanical cable remotely coupling said member with said device for rotating said member through an are in accordance with the motivation of said device, a

dial connected with said member bearing marl-:- ings corresponding to degrees of extension of said device, a manually settable element operatively engaged with said member for normally rotating therewith, a pointer connected with said elcment and disposed opposite the dial markings,

said element and pointer being variably angularly displaceable with respect to said member and dial to predetermine degrees of extension of said device in accordance with positions oi said pointer with respect to the dial markings, said element being arranged to stop said motive means when said device is extended by the predetermined degree.

`3. A remote control system comprising: a device operable between extended and retracted p0- sitions; reversible motive means coupled to said device; and mechanism for variably controlling the degree of extension of said device comprising an angularly movable member, a mechanical cable remotely coupling said member with said device for rotating said member through an arc in accordance with the motivation of said device, a dial connected with said member bearing markings corresponding to degrees of extension of said device, a manually settable element operatively engaged with said member for normally rotating therewith, a pointer connected with said element and disposed opposite the dial markings, said element and pointer being variably angularly displaceable with respect to said member and dial to pre-determine the extension of said device, and switching means including connections to said motive means arranged for actuation by said element to stop said motive means upon extension of said device to the predetermined degree corresponding to the angular displacement of said pointer on said dial.

A remote control system comprising: a device operable between extended and retracted positions; a reversible motor coupled to said device; mechanism for variably controlling the degree of extension of said device comprising a member coupled with said device for motivation in accordance with the operation of said device, and an element coupled with said memberfor normally moving. therewith, said element being variably settable with respect to said member to predetermine the degreeof extension of said device and arranged to deenergize said motor when said device is extended by the predetermined degree; and means for deenergizing said motor as said' device is fully" retracted comprising an abutment attached to said device, and an in-imit switch in circuit with said motor arranged for actuation by said abutment when said device reaches the retracted position.

5. A remote control system comprising: a device operable between extended and :retracted positions; a reversible motor coupled to said device; meansincluding circuit connections for energizing said motor in either direction of rotation, provided with a rst switch and a second switch; and means for variably controlling the operation of said device comprising a gear remotely mechanically coupled with said device for motivi'on in accordance with the operation of said ice, said gear being arrangedto actuate said first switch for deenergizing said motor when said device is virtually retracted, a manually settable element having a member arranged for actuating said second switch to deenergize said motor when said device is extended by a predetermined amount, and mechanism frictionally coupling said element Withsaid gear for normally moving said -element therewith, whereby said element is readily variably displaceable with respect to said gear for predetermining the amount of extension of said device.

6. In a vremote control system ,the combination with a device operable between extended and retracted positions v'and a reversible motor cou.

pled to said device of means including circuit connections for energizing said motor in either directionof rotation, provided with a first switchv and a second switch; and means for variably controlling the operation of said device comprising a gear remotely mechanically coupled with said device for motivation in accordance with the operation of said device. said gear being arranged to actuate said first switch for deenergizing said motor when said device is virtually retracted, an

element having a member arranged for actuating said second switch to deenergize said motor when Y said device is extended by a predetermined amount, mechanism `frictionally coupling said element with said gear for normally moving said wire and arranged to actuate said switching means to stop said reel when the wire is extended to the degree determined by a displacement between said member and said gear.

8. In a remote control reeling system the com` bination with a reel containinga wire and a reversible motor coupled to said reel for extending and retracting said wire of means including circuit connections for energizing said 4motor in either direction of rotation, provided with a cam switch and a safety switch; mechanism for variably controlling the degree of extension of the Wire comprising a gear arranged to actuate said safety switch when said wire is virtually retracted, a flexible cable remotely coupling said gear with said reel for positive rotation in accordance with the operation of said reel, a cam operatively engaged with said gear for normal rotation therewith, said cam being angularly settable with respect to said gear to predetermine lengths of .extension of the wire and arranged for actuating said cam switch to deenergize said motor when the wire is'extended by a length determined by the relative angular displacement between said cam and said gear; and means for deenergizing said motor as ,the wire is fully retracted comprising a member attached to the end of said wire, and an in-limit switch in circuit with said motor arranged foractuation by said member, saidsafety switch being arranged for actuation by said gear subsequently to and only in the event said in-limit switch :fails to function upon wire retraction.

9. In a reeling system the combination with a reel containing a wire and reversible motive means for operating said reel to extend and retract said Wire of mechanism-for remotely controlling the length of wire extended comprising a. gear coupled with said reel formotivation in accordance with the rotation of said reel, and a manually settable element frictionally coupled to f said gear for normally-rotating therewith, said element therewith, whereby said element is readily variably displaceable with respect to said gear for predetermining the amount of extension of said device, a dial mechanically connected to said gear, anda pointer mechanically connected toA said element 'and manually settable opposite cali--v brated markings on said dial for determining said predetermined` extensions of said device.

'7. In a remote control reeling system, the combination with a reelcontaining a wire and a reand retracting said wire, of switching means including circuit connections for energizing said motor in either direction of rotation; mechanism for variably controlling the degree of extension element being variably anguiarly displaceable with respect to said gear to predetermine lengths of the wire extended and arranged to stop said motive means when said wire is extended by a predetermined length; and means for stopping said motive means as said wire is fully retracted.

10. In a reeling system comprising the combination with a reelY containing a wire and a reversible motor for operating said re'el to extend and retract said wire of means including circuit connections for energizing said motor into either direction of rotation, provided with a cam switch and a safety switch; and mechanism for remotely controlling thevoperation of said reel comprising a cam, a mechanical cable remotely coupling said cam with said reel for positively rotating said cam in accordance with the rotation of said reel, said cam being arranged to actuate said safety switch for deenergizing said motorl when said wire is retracted, and a manually settable element having a pointer projecting from said mechaversible motor coupled to said reel for extending of lthe wire comprising a gear, a flexible cable remotely coupling said gear with said reel for positive rotation in accordance with `the operation of said reel, a member operatively engaged with said gear for normal rotation therewith, said member being angularly settable with respect to said gear for predetermining lengths of extension of the nism, operatively engaged with said cam for Vnormally rotating therewith, said element being variably anguiarly displaceable with respect to said cam to predetermine lengths of the wire extended and arranged for actuating said cam switch todeenergize said motor when said Wire is extended to the predetermined length.

11. In a reeling system comprising the combi-k nation with a reel containing a wire and a reversible motor for operating. said reel to extend and'retract said wire of means including circuit` connections for energizing said motor into either direction oi rotation, provided with a cam switch and a safety switch; and mechanism for remotely controlling the operation of said reel comprising a cam, a mechanical cable remotely coupling said cam with said reel for positively rotating said cam in accordance with the rotation of said reel, a dial connected with said cam, said cam being arranged to actuate said safety switch for deenergizing said motor When said wire is retracted, and a manually settable element having a pointer projecting from said mechanism and operatively disposed with said dial, and engaged with said cam for normally rotating therewith, said element and pointer being variably angularly displaceable with respect to said cam to predetermine lengths of the wire extended in accordance with indications of said pointer on said dial and arranged for actuating said cam switch to deenergize said motor when said wire is extended to the predetermined length.

l2. Ir; an antenna system for an aircraft the combination with a reel containing an antenna wire and a reversible motor for operating said reel to entend and retract said wire with respect to the aircraft of means including circuit connections for energizing said motor in either direction of rotation, provided with a first and a second switch; and mechanism for remotely controlling the length of wire extended comprising a member remotely mechanically coupled with said reel for motivation in accordance with the rotation of said reel, said member being arranged to actuate said first switch for denergizing said motor and said wire is retracted, and a manually settable element member for normally moving therewith, said element being variably displaceable with respect to said member to predeterinine lengths of the wire extended and arranged for actuating said second switch to deenergize said motor when said wire is extended by a predetermined length.

13. In an antenna system for an aircraft the combination with a reel containing an antenna wire and a reversible motor for operating said reel to extend and retract said wire with respect to the aircraft of means including circuit connections for energizing said motor in either direction of rotation, provided with a iirst and a second switch; and mechanism for remotely controlling the length of wire extended comprising a member' remotely mechanically coupled with said reel for motivation in accordance with the rotation of said reel, a dial connected with said member, said member being arranged to actuate said rst switch for deenergizing said motor when said wire is retracted, and a manually settable element frictionally coupled to said member for normally moving therewith, said element being variably displaceable with respect to said member and said dial to predetermine lengths of the wire extended in accordance with the relative displacement therebetween as indicated on said dial, and arranged for actuating said second switch to deenergize said motor when said wire is extended by a predetermined length.

14. In a reeling system the combination with a reel containing a wire and a reversible motor for operating said reel to extend and retract said wire of means including circuit connections for energizing said motor in either direction of rotation, provided with a cam switch and a safety switch; and mechanism for remotely controlling the operation of said reel comprising a cam, a mechanical cable remotely coupling said cam with said reel for positively rotating said cam in accordfrictionally coupled to said ance with the rotation of said reel, said cam being arranged to actuate said safety switch for deenergizing said motor when said wire is retracted, and a manually settable element operatively engaged with said cam for normally rotating therewith, said element being variably angularly displaceable with respect to said cam to predetermine lengths of the wire extended and being arranged for actuating said cam switch to deenergize said motor when said wire is extended by a predetermined length; and means for deenergizing said motor as said wire is fully retracted comprising an abutment on said wire, a member engageable with said abutment, and an in-limit switch in circuit with said motor arranged for actuation by said member when engaged by said abutment.

15. An antenna system for an aircraft comprising: a reel containing an antenna wire; a reversible motor for operating said reel to extend and retract said wire with respect to the aircraft: means including circuit connections for ener gizing said motor in either direction of rotation. provided with first and second switches; and mechanism for remotely controlling the length of wire extended comprising a member mechanically coupled wlth said reel for motivation in ac cordance with the rotation of said reel, said member being arranged to actuate said rst switch for deenergizing said motor when said wire is virtually retracted, and a variably settable element frictionally coupled to said member for normal movement therewith, said element being readily displaceable with respect to said member to predetermine lengths of the wire extended and being arranged for actuating said second switch to deenergize said motor when said wire is extended by a predetermined length; and means for deenergizing said motor as said wire is fully retracted comprising a weight on the end of said wire, a tube surrounding said wire and engageable with said weight, and an in-limit switch in circuit with said motor arranged for actuation by said tube when engaged by said weight.

16. An antenna system for an aircraft comprising: a reel containing an antenna wire; a reversible motor for operating said reel to extend and retract said wire with respect to the aircraft; means including circuit connections for energizing said motor in either direction of rotation, provided with an out-switch and a safety switch; mechanism for remotely controlling the length of wire extended comprising a gear, a flexible cable coupling said gear with said reel for positively rotating said gear in accordance with rotation thereof, said gear being arranged to actuate said safety switch for deenergizing said motor when said wire is virtually retracted, and an element frictionally coupled to said gear for normally ro tating therewith, said element being variably angularly settable with respect to said gear to predetermine lengths of the wire extended and being arranged for actuating said out-switch to deenergize said motor when said wire is extended to the degree determined by a relative angular displacement of said element; and means for deenergizing said motor as said wire is fully retracted comprising an abutment on the end of said wire, a body engageable with said abutment, and an in'- limit switch in circuit with said motor arranged for actuation by said body when engaged by said abutment; said safety switch being arranged for actuation by said gear subsequently to and in the event said in-limit switch fails to function.

17. An antenna system for an aircraft comtion.

prising: a reel containing an antenna wire; a reversible motor` for operating said reel to extend and retract said wire with respect to the aircraft; mechanism for remotely controlling the operation of said reel comprising a member coupled with said reel for motivation in accordance with rotation thereof, and a manually settable element operatively engaged with said member for normally moving therewith, said element being variably displaceable with respect to said member to predetermine lengths of the wire extended and being arranged to deenergize said motor when said wire is extended by a predetermined length; and means for deenergizing said motor as said wire is fully, retracted comprising an abutment on said wire, a body engageable with said abutment, an-in-limit switch in circuit with said motor arranged for actuation by said body when engaged by said abutment, and a spring normally biasing said body in the extended position and said in-limit switch in the motor energizing position, whereby said abutment holds said body against the action of said spring when said wire is fully retracted and said in-limit switch is operated to promptly deenergizesaid motor.

18. An antenna system for an aircraft comprising: a reel containing an antenna wire; a reversible motor for operating said reell to extend and retract said wire with respect to the aircraft; mechanism for remotely controlling the operation of said reel comprising a member coupled with said reel for motivation in accordance with rotation thereof, and a manually settable element operatively engaged with said member for normally moving therewith, `said element being variably displaceable with respect to said member to predetermine lengths of the wire extended and being arranged to deenergize said motor when said wire is extended by a predetermined length; and means for deenergizing said motor as said wire is fully retracted comprising a weight on the end of said wire; a flared tube surrounding said wire and engageable with said weight, an in-limit switch in circuit with said motor arranged for actuation by said tube when said Weight engages the ared end thereof anda spring normally biasing said tube to the extended position and said in-limit switch to the motor energizing position, whereby said weight holds said tube against the action of said spring when said wire is fully retracted and said in-limit switch is operated to promptly deenergize said motor to prevent wire breakage, said wire being thereupon held taut and said weight held xed to prevent rattling while-in the retracted posi-'- 19. Mechanismfor remotely controlling a device comprising a member movable in accordance with the operation of said device, a dial coupled with said member and bearing markings corresponding to degrees of operation of said device a iirst electrical switch arranged for actuation by said member when at a predetermined position. an element adjustably coupled to said member for movement therewith, a second electrical switch arranged for actuation bya predetermined portion of said element, and means for controllably displacing said element portion with respect to said member to predetermine the relative actuation of said second switch, said means including an indicator attached to said element and extending opposite said dial.

20. Mechanism for remotely controlling a device comprising a member movable in accordance with the operation of said device, a dial coupled with said member and bearing marking corresponding to degrees of operation of said device, an element adjustably coupled to said member for movementtherewith, means for controllably displacing said element with respect to said member including an indicator attached to said element and extending opposite said dial, and switching means inelectrical circuit connection with said device and arranged for actuation by said element when said device'assumes the degree of op eration as predetermined by the displacement of said element with respect to said member.`

21. Mechanism for remotely controlling a device comprising gearing arranged for remote me-.

chanical coupling to said device, a dial mechanically coupled with said gearing visible from the exterior of said mechanism and bearing markings corresponding to degrees of operation of saiddevice, a first electrical switch arranged for actuation by said gearing when at a predetermined position, a cam adjustably coupled to said gearing for movement therewith, a second electrical switch arranged for actuation by a predetermined portion of said cam, a rod extending from said cam and carrying an indicator opposite said dial whereby said cam portion is controllably displaceable with respect to said gearing to predeterimne the relative actuation of said second switch.

22. Mechanism for 'remotely controlling the operation of a device comprising a gear rotatable in correspondence with the operation of said device, a rst electrical switch arranged for actuation by said gear whenat a predetermined angular position, a cam coaxially arranged with and -adustably coupled to said gear for rotation therewith, a second electrical switch arranged for actuation by a predetermined portion of said cam, a rod extending from said cam through said gear and to the exterior of said mechanism, a knob fastened to the extending end of said rod and carrying an indicator, whereby said cam portion is controllably displaceable angularly with respect to said gearrto predetermine the relative actuation of said second switch.

23. Mechanism for remotely controlling the operation of a device comprising a gear rotatable in accordance with the operation of said device, a member coaxially arranged with and adjustably coupled to said gear for rotation therewith, a rod extending from said member through said gear and to the exterior of said mechanism, a knob fastened to the extending end of said -rod and carrying an indicator, a dial positioned opposite said indicator and containing markings corresponding to degrees of operation of said device, said dial being connected with said gear, said member being controllably displaceable angularly with respect to said gear by means of said knob,

and electrical switching means arranged for actuation by said member ib predetermin'edly operate said device in accordance with the angular setting of said indicator opposite said dial.l

24. Mechanism for remotely controlling the operation of a device comprising a member rotatable through an arc in accordance with the operation of saidy device, a dial mechanically coupled with said'member visible from the exterior of said mechanism and bearing calibrated markings corresponding to degrees of operation of said device, an element vcoaxially arranged with said member, a spring frictionally engaging said element with said member, a rod extending from said element through said member and said dial to the exterior of said mechanism, a knob fastened to the extending end ofsaid rod and carrying an indicator adjacent said dia1. whereby said element is controllably displaceable angularly with respect to said member, and switching by said member when at a predetermined angular position, a cam coaxially arranged with said member, apparatus for engaging said cam with said member including a. frictional element between said cam and said member and a spring biasing said cam, element and member together whereby said member is rotated with said cam, a second electrical switch arranged for actuation by a predetermined portion of said cam, a rod extending from said cam through said member and said dia1 to the exterior of said mechanism, a knob fastened to the extending end of said rod and carrying an indicator adjacent said dia1 whereby said cam portion is controllably displaceable angularly with respect to said member to predetermine the relative actuation of said second switch.

WILLIAM P. LEAR. 

